ABSTRACT
The main thesis of the chapter is that adult attitudes to teenagers are a consequence of the adults' belief in certain superficial myths about teenage behaviour and attitudes. The content of these two myths is, roughly, that teenagers are either just sowing their wild oats and will soon settle down, or that this particular generation of teenagers is especially deviant and irresponsible and must be curbed if it is not to destroy the fabric of society. These myths are superficial because they ignore the underlying causes of teenage behaviour and attitudes; they are myths because they bear only a fanciful resemblance to what teenagers are like or how they see themselves. The superficiality and mythical quality of adult views being exposed, might enable us to get a little nearer the truth and also to be more understanding and tolerant. Fauntleroy permitted the odd childish trait, like expressing his emotions, but only within the framework of his otherwise adult behaviour.
